Cushioning roller for conveyor belts



Dec. 30, 1947. A. SEARLES ETAL CUSHIONING ROLLER FOR CONVEYOR BELTS v 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 2, 1944 1 INVENTORS Amasdearlesand C/7ar/e.s/I. .Swartz BY Mid 17 ATTORNEYS Dec. 30, 1947, ,A. SEARLES ErAL CUSHIONING ROLLER FOR CONVEYOR BELTS Filed Dec. 2, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Amos dear/es and Char/es ASWarfz Q/W/Jaoi A T TORNEY$ Dec. 30, 1947. A. SEARLES ErAL ,7

CUSHIONING ROLLER FOR CONVEYOR BELTS Filed Dec. 2, 1944 5 Shgets-Sheeti INVENTORS Amos sear/es and 'cha rlesA. \Swarrz ATTORNEYS RLES 1 Dec. 2

Dec. 30, 1947.

A. SEARLES ET AL CUSHIONING ROLLER FOR CONVEYOR BELTS Filed Dec. 2, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fiq- INVENTORS Amos Sear/es and Char/es A. Swarfz ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 30, 1947 CUSHIO'NING ROLLER FOR EYOR BELTS l s, M and h rl s A- Swartz, Yonkers, N. Y.

Application December 2, 1944, Serial No, 566,338

7 Claims. .1 Thi inv t on re ates to be c nveyors, and more particularly to mprovements in the construction of idler rollers used in such sconveycrs. Belt conveyors of the type herein considered are employed to transport lumps or masses of 0116,

rock, cake or other material which are discharged on to the belts from chutes. The impact of dis-.- oharge of these heavy masses subjects the con.- veyor belt and idler rollers to large damaging forces, which heretofore have greatly shortened the life of a conveyor.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide in belt conveyor idler rollers means ca pable of absorbing large impact forces and prevent damage to the belt and rollers.

A further object is to provide in an idler roller a resilient surface conformable with the imposed load to distribute said load and reduce thepressure per unit area thus preventing damage to a conveyor belt from concentrated high unit loading due particularly to impact.

A further object is to improve conveyor belt idler roller by providing elements arranged to absorb shocks by shearing action rather than by compression,

These and other objects are attained by the novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described n illustrated in as a companying. drawi s i m e a p rt 1 6.3 91 and jnwhich:

Fig. 1 is a transverse view of a conveyor belt and i l r rol er showing the neral arran ms t of i le; rollers in eqe hiahce wi h his. insn eh- Fig.- 2 i View. par ly in sec on of an idler oll r as embl em edy h th in en ion! ig- 3 i a sesti hal. view taken o the ine 4:4 q h e- 2;

Fig. 4 is an exploded section view of a, portion i an i le rol r shown in Fi .2; a

his 5 is ssctiohal view o o i ed orm of th i vs tieh;

Eig- 6 s a secti nal end iew f the con true- 121.9 shown n F gso e o he a bein broken away to expose othersf igis an exploded sectional View of tion o thei i r ro ls-r shown in F 55 .8 i a ect onal vi w o a further inodifica? tio taken n ine 8 of F 9 and o at d int ng e plane for the purpose of clarity 1 Fig. 9 is elevational View as seen from the rightih Fist;

Fi thi a sect onal vie a en on. l ne lit-4n Q Fis 3 ooking h direction of he arrows Fig. 11 is a sectional view also taken on the line I0| 0 of Fig. 8 but looking in a direction opposite to the arrow, and showing the arrangement of segmental members shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of a further modification, taken on line l 2.-.l2 of Fig. 13, and rotated into a, single plane for the purpose of clarit 13 is an elevational view of the modificasti n sh wn n Fi 12 some of the pa ts bein broken away to expose others; and

i 5 s a s ct onal vi w of a urth r modifiea h.

Referring to the drawings, in Fig. l is shown a conveyor havin a belt 20 supported by a plural.- ity of idler rollers 2| arranged in groups to give the belt a substantially arcuate shape. The roll? ers 2| are rotatably mounted on supports 22.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3 each idler roller 2| is shown to comprise a resilient tread tire I having an axial T cross-section with a central rib 2, which is reinforced by layers of duck 3 in addition to wires 4. The inner radial surfaces of the tire axially disposed on either side of the rib 2 are axially grooved at 5 to provide additional means for displacement of the resilient tire material during deflection and, prevent destructive stretching and creeping relative to the central reinforced rib 2.

The function of the tire is to provide a resilient surface conformable with the imposed load, to distribute. said load and thereby reduce the pressure per unit area on the belt and to prevent damage thereto from concentrated high unit lo ding due particularly to impact. The central rib 2 provides means for clamping and restrainmg the tire in proper position between support.- ihg discs 6.

The. supporting discs have outward axially-ex.- tending flanges 1 and inward axially-extending flanges or hub formation 8. To the outward surface 9 of each disc 6 is attached or bonded a rubber ring l0, which is also attached to intermediate circular metal plates H. Attached to the other side of each plate I l is another rubber rin I2 which in turn is attached to metal rin l3, some of the rings having flanges M by which the rollers 2! are supported on tube l9,

Resting upon the flanges I4 between adjacent rollers are rings #5, which are secured by set screws [6 which engage the supporting tubular shaft n ser s ns o prevent relative rotation of adjacent units.

A he ends f idler ro ler group, the rin s 3 l3 are not provided with flanges and have the rubber rings 12 secured thereto. Each of these end rings I3 is supported on a, cylindrical extension l9a of a flange [9b. The extension l9a screws onto a reduced end We and thus by rotating the flange l9b by a suitable tool it is forced against the end ring l3 to press the roller units tightly against each other. The extension l9a and the flanges I4 form means of axial support and axial restraint on the central rotatable element com- 1 The spacing rings it are arranged to fit withprising the tubular shaft I9, bearings, dust seals;

stationary supporting shaft or rotatable shaft re strained by stationary bearings as may be con- 4 are threaded on to the supporting tubular shaft 42. Between adjacent rollers 2la, a ring 46 is positioned in the recesses 43a of intermediate hubs M and the ring $5 is held in place by a set screw 41.

The two tire supporting flanged discs 35 are united to prevent relative radial movement under load by means of a ring 45 seated into registering concentric channels 35a in the adjacent surfaces of said discs.

in the annular recesses 53a in the outer ends of the intermediate hubs M and fitted to grip the ventionally elected.

The load of the belt and its burden and the impact of material being dropped on the belt, Or

impact due to the disturbance of portions of the material being conveyed, will be transferred through these units comprising a complete idler roll to the supporting structure through the resilient rubber rings Ill and 12 in shear.

The axially extending flanges I provide radial support to that portion of the tire with which they make radial contact and assume a portion of any radial load imposed on the tire tread radially inward toward the common axis;

The inward axial flanges 8 are directed axially together and provide means for uniting the discs 6 radially to prevent relative radial movement under load, with clearance between the ends to enable clamping of the stem of the tire I. Relative radial movement of discs 6 is prevented by ring ll which surrounds flanges 8 jointly. The outer diameter of ring I! may be such as to fit within the central rib 2 of tire I to assist in supporting the tire against any radial load imposed upon the tire tread radially inward toward the common axis.

The principal parts comprising each roller or unit 2| may be placed for ready assembly as in Fig. 4. After assembly, each unit 2| may be placed on the tube 19. Any number of these units (three being shown) may then be clamped together between the flanges l9b. They are then locked against relative rotation by the set screws l6.

The assembled units as described provide a conformable outer tread in combination with resilient cushioning by which the load is transmitted in shear through the annular rubber ring l9 and I2 or segments.

The modification shown in Figs. 5, 6 and '7 is basically the same as that shown in Fig. 2. Each roller 2la comprises a cushioning element comprising a resilient tire 3| having a T cross section with a rib 32, reinforced with layers of duck 33 and wire 34, and provided with axial grooves 35 for purposes hereinbefore explained. This reinforcement of the tire resists creeping of the tire on its supporting structure while affording eflectual resiliency.

The rib 32 is constrained between supporting discs 36 having outwardly extending radial flanges 31 conforming with the inner axial sur face of the tire. Attached. to the outer surfaces of the discs 35 are rubber rings or segments 38 or other resilient material, each having an intermediate metal plate 39.

The outer radial surfaces of the shear elements 38 are attached to the adjacent surfaces of discs 69, which are rigidly attached to hubs 4!. The end hubs M are threaded on to the supporting tubular shaft 42 to clamp the units together and have right angularly cut-out portions 43 adapted to receive locking rings 44, which radiallyoutward axial surfaces of the recesses whenthe locking set screws 4'! are tightened, due to radial clearance of the bore of the spacing ring and the supportin member.

In the modified form shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11, the arrangement incorporates shear elements in series by means of which increased deflection is accomplished within the limited axial space available. The cushioning unit 2Ib comprises a resilient tread tire 55 of T-shape cross section having a central rib 52 reinforced with layers of duck 53 and wires 54. The inner surfaces of the tire axially disposed on either side of the rib 52 are provided with a plurality of grooves 55 to provide additional means for displacement of the tire material as explained in connection with Fig. 2.

The central rib 52 of the T-shape cross section provides means for clamping and restraining the tire in proper position between supporting discs 56 by means of bolts 58 and nuts 59. The supporting plates 58 are provided with outwardly extending flanges 5'! to engage the inner surfaces in which the grooves 55 are provided.

Referring to Figs. 9, 10 and 11 it will be seen that the discs56 are provided with radial portions 56a which divide the disc into two equal radial segmental spaces as to provide space and clearance for relative movement under load of adjacent parts. The two segments 56a extend inwardly towards the axis of the roller and are attached at their outer surfaces to resilient segmental elements 56, which may be of rubber or a similar material, having an intermediate metal plate 67. The shearing elements 65 are attached at their outer surfaces to discs or rings 6 l, which encircle the split hub member 65 fitted over a supporting tubular shaft like the one marked 42 in Fi 5.

Fixed to the supporting hubs 65 are segmental plates 6 positioned in the segmental spaces 60. The plates 64 abut each other and have fixed to their outer surfaces resilient elements 62, which may be of rubber or the like, and have an intermediate metal plate 63, The outer surfaces of elements 62 are attached to the inner surfaces of the discs GI.

With this structure, the deflection forces imparted, see Fig. 8, to the tire 5! are transmitted by discs 56 through the shearing elements 65 to discs 61, and thence through shearing elements 62 to. segments 64 and finally th supporting hub The roller 2Ic of the modification shown in Figs. 12 and 13 is similar to that shown in Figs. 8 to 11 except that the tire supporting structure is different. In this form, tire H, of T-shape cross section, has a central rib 12 reinforced by layers of duck 13 and Wires M, and the inner surface of the tire has a plurality of grooves 15. The pair of tire supporting discs 16 have outwardly extending flanges l1 engaging the inner Surface of the tir The isc hel together by bolts 18 and nuts 19. 'Th discs are flared out; wardly at 88 and then extended downwardly to nr-Qv e, walls H which d n t eqn t the six;- porting hubs 8-6. s

The walls M are ring shaped and have attached to their inner surfaces segmental resilient elements 81, which have intermediate metal segments 88; and the inner surfaces of elements 81 are attached to metal plate rings 84 which encircle the supporting hubs 86.

The.walls 8| slidingly engage plates 85 which are attached to the supporting hubs 86. The inner surfaces of plates 85 are attached to resilient elements 82 provided with intermediate metal plates 83; and the inner surfaces of elements 82 are attached to the outer surfaces of the plate rings 84. The shock absorbing action of this structure is similar to that of Fig. 8.

In the form shown in Fig. 14, the arrangement of a unit incorporating shear elements in series is like that shown in Fig. 13 but supports a resilient tire 9| in a different manner. The resilient tire 9| is cupped on its inner side to present a substantially U-shaped cross section with radially inwardly extending portions, and is reinforced by layers of duck 92 and wires 93. The tire is supported by a metal rim 94, which has a firm gripping contact with the flanges 95 of the plates 96, which are held together by bolts and nuts 98.

The rims 94 may be continuous rings or cut axially at any radial position. When the rim 94 is continuous, the tire 9| will be built on the rim with its fabric and wire reinforcement complete.

If the rim is split, the tire can be built complete, independently of the rim, and the rim sprung into place in intermedial concentric grooves of the tire. Clips 91, only one of which is shown, may be welded to the rim, or they may be free. Th clips 91 serve to act as spacers for the side plates 96, and to create means of radial support and axial location relative to the side plates 96 in addition to the contact of the rim with the flanges 95.

The plates 96 are flared outwardly to provide side walls 99 slidably engaging plates 85 which are attached to the supporting hubs 86, as described in connection with Fig. 12. The inner walls of plates 85 have attached thereto shearing resilient elements 82, provided with intermediate metal plates 83. The elements 82 are in turn attached to the outer surfaces of plate rings 84', which encircle the supporting shaft 86, as described in connection with Fig. 12.

From the above description it will be seen that there has been provided a plurality of idler rollers for a belt conveyor shock absorbing means whereby the impacts upon the belt may act on one or more of the rollers simultaneously and in which the impact is received by the tire of each roller acted upon and transmitted to the supporting shaft by resilient shearing actions, the major portions of the forces being practically absorbed before reaching the supporting hubs.

We have described what we believe to be the best embodiments of our invention. We do not wish, however, to be confined to the embodiments shown, but what we desire to cover by Letters Patent is set forth in the a pended'claims.

We claim: v

l. In an idler roller for belt conveyors, a resillient tire having a radially inwardly extending portion, a pair of discs for supporting the tire cooperating with the inwardly extending portion thereof, a supporting shaft, 3, pair of: plates spaced from the discs supported on the shaft, and resilient material attached to and connecting the discs and plates together, said discs having in- Ward axially extending portions, and a separable ring surrounding said inward axially extending portions and cooperating therewith to prevent radial displacement of the discs relative to each Qtlner.

2. In an idler roller for belt conveyor a 51. 16 of resilient material, discs for supporting the tire, a supporting shaft, a pair of plates spaced from the discs and supported on the shaft, resilient material attached to and connecting the discs and plates, means cooperating with the discs for preventing relative radial movement of the discs under load, at least one of said plates having an outward axially extending portion and means cooperating with said outward portion for fixing the plate to the shaft against rotational displacement relative thereto.

3. In an idler roller for belt conveyors, a resilient tire having a plurality of axial grooves on its underside, said tire being of T-shape cross section with a central rib, means for reinforcing the tire, a pair of discs engaging the rib for supporting thetire, a supporting shaft, and resilient means interposed between the discs and the shaft.

4. In a roller for belt conveyors, a tire made of non-metallic resilient material and having a plurality of axially extending grooves on its inner side, a pair of discs having outwardly extending flanges engaging the underside of the tire, means for clamping the discs together, a supporting shaft, a pair of plates rigid with the supporting shaft, and non-metallic resilient means connecting the discs and the plates.

5. In a roller for belt conveyors, a resilient tire having a radially inwardly extending portion, a pair of discs clamping the radially inwardly extending portion and having flanges engaging the under side of the tire, a supporting shaft, a pair of plates spaced from the discs and supported on the shaft, non-metallic resilient material connecting the plates and discs, at least one of said plates having means adapted to receive a ring surrounding the shaft, and ring means cooperating with said plate ring receiving means and adapted when secured to the shaft to prevent rotation of the plate.

6. In a roller for belt conveyors, a resilient tire having a central rib, a pair of discs clamping the rib and having flanges engaging the under side of the tire, means to hold the discs against relative movement, a supporting shaft, plate means spaced from the discs and supported on the shaft and resilient elements connecting the plates and discs, hub means formed on the plate means and having a recess adapted to receive a ring surrounding the shaft, and ring means fitted in the recess which when tightened to the shaft serve to prevent rotation of the plate.

7. In combination, a supporting shaft, a plurality of roller units removably connected to the shaft, each of said units comprising a resilient tire, a pair of opposed discs for supporting the tire, a pair of plates respectively spaced from and outwardly of the discs, resilient means connecting the plates to the respective discs, at least one of the plates having an outward" axially extending portion formed thereon and adapted to surround the shaft, the outward portion of adjacent units adapted to engage one another thereby to maintain the units in spaced relationship on the shaft, and ring means secured to 8 the shaft and surrounding the adjecent a butting UNITED STATES PATENTS outward portion of the respective units and. frictionally engaging the same to prevent the ro- Number Name Date tation of the unit upon the shaft. r ,074,341 Piron Mar. 23, 1937 AMOS SEARLES. 2,124,350 Hirshfeld July 19, 1938 CHARLES A. SWARTZ, 2,046, 6 Steward June 30, 1936 2,291,959 Goodrich Aug. 4, 1942 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: 

